Three pedestrians were killed and three others were hospitalized — two in critical condition — after a juvenile driver traveling at high speed struck a group of people standing outside a liquor store at the intersection of International Boulevard and 85th Avenue in East Oakland at approximately 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2026. If you or a loved one was injured, or if you lost a family member in this crash, the Oakland pedestrian accident lawyers at Frank Penney Injury Lawyers are here to help you understand your legal rights — at no cost to you.
What Happened at International Boulevard and 85th Avenue in East Oakland?
According to the Oakland Police Department and reporting by KTVU Fox 2, ABC7 Eyewitness News, and CBS San Francisco, the crash unfolded just before 11:15 p.m. The juvenile driver was heading northbound on 85th Avenue at a high rate of speed before making a westbound turn onto International Boulevard. The vehicle first struck a parked car, then plowed into several pedestrians gathered outside East Bay Market Liquor Store.
The Oakland Fire Department confirmed: three victims were deceased on arrival; three others were transported to local hospitals, with two in critical condition and one listed as serious. The driver, a juvenile whose identity has not been released, sustained minor injuries, was treated at a hospital, and was subsequently arrested by Oakland police.
Witnesses intervened immediately. According to ABC7, the driver attempted to flee after impact but was chased down by bystanders and held until police arrived. Surveillance video captured the vehicle accelerating before the collision. Oakland Police stated it is currently unknown whether alcohol or drugs were a factor. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oakland Police Department Traffic Investigation Unit at (510) 777-8570 or submit photos or video to cidvideos@oaklandca.gov.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee released a statement Sunday morning: "Oakland is mourning the lives lost in last night's tragic crash at International Boulevard and 85th Avenue in East Oakland. Our hearts are with the victims, their families, loved ones, and all of those impacted."
What Are the Legal Rights of Families Who Lost Someone in This Crash?
When a pedestrian is killed due to a driver's reckless or negligent conduct in California, surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death claim. Under California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60, eligible family members — including spouses, children, and in some cases parents or dependents — may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and related damages.
When the at-fault driver is a minor, California law provides an additional layer of accountability. Under California Vehicle Code §17150, the owner of a vehicle — and in many cases the parent or guardian who authorized or permitted the minor to drive — can be held financially liable for damages caused by that minor's negligent operation. This means that even if the juvenile driver cannot pay a judgment, other responsible parties may be pursued through civil litigation.
Speeding is among the most lethal factors in pedestrian crashes. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrians account for more than one-quarter of all California traffic deaths — and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that a pedestrian's risk of death rises sharply with vehicle speed at impact. Under California Vehicle Code §23103, driving in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others is reckless driving — and when it results in death, it can be prosecuted as a felony. Civil liability exists independently of any criminal case.
Time matters. California's statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death. Surveillance footage and witness accounts disappear fast. Our team can act immediately to preserve the evidence your family needs.
Frank Penney Injury Lawyers: Fighting for Victims and Families Across Northern California: Fighting for Victims and Families Across Northern California
At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, we represent pedestrian accident victims and grieving families throughout the Bay Area, Sacramento, Roseville, Stockton, Modesto, and all of Northern California. Attorney Frank Penney and his team have recovered over $1 billion for accident victims — and we handle every case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
If you lost someone in the Oakland International Boulevard crash — or in any pedestrian accident in Northern California — contact our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us at 888-888-0566.